Review: Fire in the Dawn: Book I of the Twin Skies Trilogy

Author: Justin Fike
Website: https://justinfike.com/
Genre: Epic Asian Fantasy

It was a distinct pleasure to read the first installment of this fantasy series, set in a medieval/eastern-flavored world filled with rigid feudal castes and a definitive mythos. The writing style is fluid and lyrical, the dialogue crisp and clean.

While a good part of the story’s structure involves the standard fare of displaced nobility, political intrigue, and the hero’s quest for what he perceives as his rightful place in the world, there were several aspects of this work that I found deliciously original and rewarding:

• The book launches with an unknown character out in a frozen wasteland who carefully initiates a potent ritual using elemental focus objects to project his consciousness to the Celestial Court. Cool.
• The vivid descriptions of t’sancraft, a system of power sigils brought to life by the wielder’s intention and personal ki, reveals a genuine understanding of energetic manipulation. Impressive.
• The most thrilling surprises were the depictions of the hero’s fusion with the elements of water and fire, and his unexpected encounter with an Elder Dragon. Gold star!

The story finishes with a satisfying flourish and sets enough of a stage to entice me to read the rest of the series. Anything this intelligent, talented author puts out will now be on my “must read” list. Thanks, Justin! And kudos to the artist who did the fantastic cover.